Rub Smokehouse, Birmingham: restaurant review

Read our review of Rub Smokehouse, a mighty, meaty, in-your-face American restaurant in Birmingham. We'd probably avoid the cheeseburger wrapped in a calzone, but do give the Hung, Drawn and Quartered platter a go...

In a nutshell

Rub Smokehouse is big, bold and unapologetically brash. If you like your meat smoky and your fries with a party atmosphere, it’s not to be missed.

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Our review

With its roots firmly in the deep south of America, Rub Smokehouse brings American-style feasting to the streets of Birmingham. The diner décor is given an urban twist with graffiti-lined walls, and when the sun sets lights are dimmed and music is turned up to get the party started.

The menu’s main focus is meat, meat and more meat; the restaurant’s pride and joy are Hank and Marvin, two smokers that cook meat for roughly 16 hours overnight to give it its mouthwatering woody flavour.

First timers should try the Hung, Drawn and Quartered platter for a taste of most of the main Rub Smokehouse dishes. But if you’re up for a challenge, go for the epic foods menu – it fulfils the greedy childhood fantasies of any indulger. Included in the list is the Big Boy USA in Little Italy (cheeseburger wrapped in a calzone); and the Rum Dog Millionaire, a half metre-long hot dog packed with caramelised onions, pulled pork, jalapeños, pickles and cheese.

They also have a broad cocktail menu, which is just as crazy. The most popular is a Coney Island Cooler that claims to be a ‘fun fair in a cocktail’, and if you’re having drinks with friends you could always try one of the sharers, such as the Rub-a-dub-tub. It seriously comes with it’s very own bath tub.

The loud and in-your-face atmosphere of Rub Smokehouse won’t be for everyone, but if you’re a fan of American food and American portions, then put it on your list.

Bullseye: Fried Pickles – a fantastic appetiser.

Misfire: The cocktails can be more style over substance. So if they don’t float your boat, opt for the great range of American beers instead.

Price: Roughly £35 per head for a 3-course meal and a couple of drinks.